FS: Custom Prototypes from a New Builder

First a little background on me:

I'm a 22 y/o student who has a about a year left in a 5-year mechanical engineering program. I've always enjoyed designing building things, from simple woodworking projects to complicated mechanical assemblies. I've recently turned my focus to composites, starting with a few lightweight canoes, and now skis.

Last fall I made my first pair, one ski at a time. The 1st one came out great, but the 2nd was scrap due to an unfortunate equipment failure during pressing. After some tooling changes and a move to a more appropriate shop, I was able to make Blue Cheese. These came out great.




I would like to continue researching, designing and making skis. Unfortunately, being in college, I don't have the capital to delve into this project properly. I also would like to get some feedback on my designs and the overall construction of my skis. Therefore, I am turning to you.

I'm willing to work with you on a custom design. You'd be able to pick just about every aspect of the ski; length, dimensions, sidecut, graphics etc and possibly even rocker (I would. Unfortunately, I can't offer a set warranty at this time. I can tell you that pay attention to detail and am a bit of a perfectionist. I will also work with you to repair any durability issues that may arise, with no time limit.

I really don't know what else to say. Basically, you would be getting a cheap, custom/prototype ski at a slight risk. I would be learning and improving my designs with very little (if any) monetary gains.

I'm thinking that this would cost you $150-$225 depending on specifics of the design. Again, this is leaving me with very little profit, if any.

Here are my current material prices:





These prices don't account for misc. disposables and shop supplies (blades, vacuum bagging, tape, gloves etc), taxes/shipping costs, or template stock. They are just raw materials that you will see in the ski. Pricing the epoxy is difficult, because I only need about 1/2 gallon per pair but it is typically sold in larger containers. A base grind is also not included in this cost, I need to see what I can do here.

Again, I'm thinking $150-$225 for this. I don't want to turn a profit, but I also can't afford to burn myself on hidden costs. The first few should be a bit less, as I have some epoxy samples that I will use before I have to purchase more.

If you are interested, send me a PM. If anyone has general questions or wants more info post here.

Thanks guys!

Would you be willing to do really goofball molds like 120/70/0?

Pfft..that ain't goofball. Goofball would be 0/70/120

Cool project krp...best of luck to ya!

That again?

Yes I am. My current mold goes up to about 200cm IIRC, and is just a curved surface ti give a tip/tail and camber. The 120-70-0 dimensions come from the templates that I make, which I can easily do just about anything...

But 0?

I should add that these skis will all be sandwich construction with sealed wood* sidewalls.


*There are too many issues with bonding plastic sidewalls.

Changes the entire concept of a backwards twisting fall if there's nothing to twist -with-.

I see where you are going...


How about 0-0-0? Changes the entire concept of a fall if there's nothing to fall -off-

I would propose that a buyer should figure $50-100.00 for Kyle's time and effort.

This sounds like kind of a fun idea, and if these things come out any good at all then $325 is a hell of a price to pay for a new pair of customs skis! Too bad my ski budget for this year is all but spent...

Agree 100%. If I had some extra dough laying around I'd definitely throw it at an idea like this. Alas...

Kudos, krp, for your entrepreneurial spirit!

+2

krp, if you don't get swamped with orders, you might try posting over at mogulskiing.net Some of the guys there are always looking out for bump skis that are longer than what is readily available.

I'll take a pair. Put me on the list. Let me think about dimensions for a minute. How many people are in line in front of me? If you are ready to start making my skis right now, let me know.

Where is our guy in Mass that will custom paint skis? You two need to get together.

I am thinking something 178cm with a bit of a turned up tail.

128/85/110 with an ash core and a layer of metal.

This is the list so far. I will have to limit this offer to just a few people at first though.

If you guys are serious shoot me a PM. I will start to put together a spec sheet/quote, then designs, then I will need you to put down some sort of a deposit.

You should have posted something earlier :/. My pockets are empty (more than they usually are) right now.

Actually, would you be able to do corporate logo/designs on the skis with consent? That might change some things...

Depending on the complexity of the logo, yes. I could look into having more complex designs sublimated onto a topsheet.

I would like to help, but I am a newbie, and cannot tell you what I would like other than a size..If I told you to make something along the lines of a line prophet, would that help? How long would it take?

Lee

Way Cool

Me wanty! Me wanty! Much to consider tho - PM on the way!

The List

1. telerod15 (thread post)
2. Philpug (thread post)
3. Full Focus (I need to think about this, I've never even seen a rockered ski) (e-mail)
4. LeeX (thread post)
5. 4cznskier (PM)

This is the (tentative) list so far. Please understand that I would like to adhere to this order as much as possible, but in the end a deposit and promptness talks.

4czn skier has PM'd me with a very workable deposit/payment plan.


If you are one of the 5 listed above expect an PM or e-mail by noon (E.T.) today.

List Update

Here is the current list that I am working from:

1. 4cznskier-Deposit placed
2. Philpug-Deposit as good as placed
3. krp8128-I need my own, after all
4. telerod-?
5. LeeX-?

Base colors

Here are the currently available base colors, courtesy of Skibuilders.com

4001, Black




2001, Lime Green




2001, Light Blue




2001, Brown




2001, Chrome*




*I used this on my last pair. It looks plain gray to me.

Did somebody say custom topsheets?

Kyle, is there a way to bond a layer of plastic OVER the painted design??? The clears I use are as durable as paint can be, but an edge would definitely still be able to damage the finish... If there was a gloss protective layer applicable by vacuum bag, it would go a long way towards keeping the finished product beautiful.

DoWork, I owe you a PM.

But back ToWork for me right now...

Kyle what kinda of width can you get?

I want my Thug but as long as you can make it

140/121/131 200cm? is that possiable.

Yes, I could do that width. I need to double check the running surface of my mold though, and my 3d models are at home.

List Update:

1. 4cznskier-Deposit placed
2. Philpug-Deposit as good as placed
3. LeeX- Deposit placed, 2nd pair??
4. krp8128-I need my own, after all
5. telerod-?

Unless somebody makes some really convincing argument$ () I think this is all I should take right now.


To those of you who have put down a deposit, look for more info later today.


THANKS!!

Specifications and quote sheet

This will help a lot of you out with the basic options. If you don't see it on the sheet just ask and I'll see what I can do for you.

A Plea to everyone who has contacted me...

PLEASE us the e-mail address for all future contacts. Make the subject read "Custom Skis" so that i can keep track of all correspondences.